Masada and the Dead Sea

Today was a great day in Israel. Our group got up early this morning and drove about an hour outside of Jerusalem to Mount Masada. Hiking to the top of Masada was definately one of the most challenging things I have ever accomplished both mentally and physically. However once you reach the top it is so rewarding. Masada was a last fortress of Jewish freedom fighters against the Romans. These rebels built a small city on the top of this mountain to avoid being enslaved by the Romans. For many years the Jews lived on Mosada and held a community despite the grueling landscape and harsh temperatures. Eventually, after the Romans destroyed Solomons temple in 70 AD, they came for the Jews on Masada. The Jews were under siege for several months. The Romans used Hebrew slaves to build a large ramp to reach the top of Masada. When the Romans had nearly reached the top, the Jewish community decided that they would rather die at the end of their own swords rather than be slaughtered or enslaved by the Romans. On that day nearly one thousand Jews on Masada took their own lives, they refused to give up their freedom. The Roman soldiers reached the top the very next day only to find the dead bodies. Today, the climb to the top of Masada is used as a part of training in the Israeli defense force. It is not only a important historic site for the Jews, but an important reminder for the Israeli defense as to what they will never let happen again. Hiking to the top of the mountain and seeing the remains of the city was very inspirational for me. It reminds me of the men and women who make great sacrifices everyday in our own country to protect and preserve our freedom. After spending a whole day in the desert heat, I have a whole new respect for my brother Greg who spent six whole months in the desert heat serving his country. Sometimes as Americans we tend to take our freedom for granted. It is inspiring to see a people who are so willing to fight and die for the freedom of their country. I truly believe that one day God will fully restore the nation of Israel and defeat its enemies.